Green Technology

Green
technology (greentech), environmental technology (envirotech), and
clean technology (cleantech) are ways to monitor, model and conserve
the natural environment and resources. These technologies focus on
long- and short-term impact on the environment.

Greentech can be as small as a CFL bulb or as large as
BrightSource’s LPT solar thermal system at the Ivanpah Solar
Electric Generating System (ISEGS) in California’s Mojave Desert.

Green
technology focuses on sustainable development utilizing such methods
as photovoltaic and wind turbines. Photovoltaics is the use of solar
panels to collect solar radiation which is the converted into direct
electrical current using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic
effect. Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from the wind into
mechanical energy which produces electricity. The difference between
a windmill and a wind turbine? Wind turbines produce electricity
whereas windmills directly power a machine. A new approach is tidal
turbines, which harness the power of the tides. A project off the
coast of Maine is attempting to power around 30 homes with underwater
turbines, which looks like a whisk turned sideways. A real benefit of
these tidal turbines versus wind turbines is that you can't see the
submerged tidal turbines. The effect on marine life is still being
researched.

Another
development in greentech is sustainable housing. Companies
are realizing that this is a profitable business model with plenty of
demand and are creating “net zero” homes, which are completely
self-sufficient. These homes harvest rainwater, create power via
photovoltaic cells, and use responsibly sourced materials to reduce
or eliminate their carbon footprint. Imagine living in your own
brand-new, off-grid home with no utility bills!

A
simple green technology is to have houseplants for air purification!
Greentech doesn't have to be a huge investment or time-consuming …
make a small change each day (adjust your thermostat, turn out lights
when you leave the room, plan your errands to maximize fuel
efficiency) and you'll be amazed at how quickly those small changes
add up to a new, green lifestyle!